New Foundation Course at Royal Academy of Music for 18-20 year olds

The Royal Academy of Music Foundation Year is a fully funded one year programme supporting state educated musicians aged 18–20 who’ve experienced financial or other barriers to opportunity. It is designed to support talented students who demonstrate the potential to succeed at undergraduate conservatoire level but would benefit from an additional year of intensive musical and academic preparation before auditioning.

From July 2026, up to five students each year will receive one-to-one tuition, ensemble training, mentoring, academic study and structured guidance for undergraduate applications and auditions. The programme aims to widen access to advanced music study by supporting musicians who may not yet have had access to specialist training or preparation for conservatoire auditions. The programme is generously supported by the Clore Duffield Foundation, enabling it to be fee‑free and to provide substantial financial support to participating students.

Course Outline

The Foundation Year runs from July to June and combines online preparation with in‑person study in London.

• July – August: Online study including principal study, musicianship and academic preparation.
• September – December: In‑person study in London focusing on principal study, ensemble work and preparation for undergraduate applications and auditions.
• January – March: Continuation of principal study alongside aural, analytical and contextual studies. Students receive audition feedback and guidance on next steps.
• April – June: Performance projects, ensemble work and a final showcase, alongside preparation for progression to undergraduate study.

Throughout the year students receive:

• Weekly one‑to‑one principal study tuition
• Small‑group classes in musicianship and academic studies
• Ensemble coaching and collaborative projects
• Application and audition guidance
• Pastoral and mentoring support
• Opportunities to engage with Academy rehearsals, masterclasses and performances

Funding and Support

The Foundation Year is fee‑free. A £16,500 living‑cost bursary is provided along with access to University of London accommodation and additional financial support where required, including assistance with high‑quality instruments.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have been educated at a UK state school
• Be aged 18–20 at the start of the programme
• Demonstrate financial challenge through means‑tested assessment
• Be able to commit to the full year of study, including relocation to London from September 2026

Entry Requirements

Musical Requirements

The Foundation Year is intended for musicians who demonstrate the potential to reach undergraduate conservatoire standard within one year. Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong general musicianship and aural awareness
• Clear technical and artistic potential
• Readiness to undertake intensive musical training

Applications are welcomed across all principal studies taught at undergraduate level at the Royal Academy of Music. If music is not being studied as an academic subject at A Level (or equivalent), we recommend knowledge of music theory at approximately Grade 6 level (ABRSM or Trinity College London) before starting the course. For applicants whose principal study is not a keyboard instrument, piano skills at approximately Grade 5 level (or equivalent) are desirable, though not essential. The programme is particularly suitable for musicians who may have previously auditioned for conservatoires but would benefit from an additional year of focused preparation before re‑applying. All applicants will be required to audition as part of the selection process.

Academic Requirements

The Foundation Year prepares students for progression to conservatoire or university music study. Applicants intending to progress to undergraduate study should normally be working towards, or already have achieved, the academic qualifications required for entry to a university or conservatoire. For entry to the Royal Academy of Music BMus programme, this requires:

Applicants intending to progress to other universities must ensure they meet the academic entry requirements of those institutions.

Progression

The Foundation Year does not guarantee automatic entry to an undergraduate programme at the Royal Academy of Music. Students must complete the standard undergraduate application and audition process, and entry remains competitive. The programme is designed to provide the preparation, support and guidance needed to approach these auditions with confidence. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to audition and attend an interview at the Royal Academy of Music. Travel costs for shortlisted applicants will be fully covered.